Hello K_g, and welcome to the Camera Labs forum!
When switching to a body from a different manufacturer, all your investment in lenses will be lost, so I assume that you do not have a worthy collection of lenses for Nikon-mount!?
Before you decide to switch though think about three things:
- the IQ of the D80 and the 40D are mostly equal
- the automatic exposure and AF seems to be equal
- Only Nikon offers the best stabilized super-zoom lens: the Nikkor VR 18-200mm. Canon has nothing that is comparable to this fantastic lens!

Hi K_g, as Bob says, check out the verdict page of the EOS 40D review where it compares the features between the 40D and D80. Both do have similar picture quality, but the 40D is quicker, tougher and has more features like Live View - but it is also 50% more expensive, so it is in a different league really...

It really depends on your budget, if you have an existing collection of lenses, and what feels better to you. So go to a shop and see if you can ge the feel of both.When you do, decide which feels better.

Hello K_g, and welcome to the Camera Labs forum!When switching to a body from a different manufacturer, all your investment in lenses will be lost, so I assume that you do not have a worthy collection of lenses for Nikon-mount!?Before you decide to switch though think about two things:- the IQ of the D80 and the 40D are mostly equal- the automatic exposure and AF seems to be equal- Only Nikon offers the best stabilized super-zoom lens: the NIkkor VR 18-200mm. Canon has nothing atha is comparable to this fantastic lens!

I'm surprised in you. This is a very one-sided, extremely biased response to someone who has come onto the boards seeking advice. I know you love Nikon (as do I) but this sort of advice isn't very helpful for someone who might not know what they're looking for.

K_g, as others have said, read Gordon's reviews on your short-listed models and when all is said and done, go into a shop and hold them all. Good luck in your hunt!

Hello K_g, and welcome to the Camera Labs forum!When switching to a body from a different manufacturer, all your investment in lenses will be lost, so I assume that you do not have a worthy collection of lenses for Nikon-mount!?Before you decide to switch though think about two things:- the IQ of the D80 and the 40D are mostly equal- the automatic exposure and AF seems to be equal- Only Nikon offers the best stabilized super-zoom lens: the NIkkor VR 18-200mm. Canon has nothing atha is comparable to this fantastic lens!

I'm surprised in you. This is a very one-sided, extremely biased response to someone who has come onto the boards seeking advice. I know you love Nikon (as do I) but this sort of advice isn't very helpful for someone who might not know what they're looking for.

LOL

well, I guess it's OK to be a bit biased in the forum?

On topic: I would choose Canon 40D hands down also compared to D200. Bigger screen, Live View and other newer features and Canon has the biggest lens system. Since you asked, money can't be an object

Compared to Nikon D80... In its favour the 40D is tougher, quicker, fires-off frames more than twice as fast, while also featuring Live View, a bigger screen, PC Sync port, anti-dust features and optional accessories including a wireless transmitter

Well TelexStar, I didn't hear Gordon say in his verdict that the IQ of the 40D is superior to the D80's IQ. But let's hear it from himself.
Otherwise my position is to look into IQ and lenses first, before you get carried away over features.
And I still think this is sound advice!

Btw, K_g: If you really want to have more "fun" with your camera, why not invest in a new lens (you know which one I'm thinking of ) instead of a new body? You think that 6MPix is not any longer "good" enough? Or what is it that makes you dislike your D40?

As I said in the article, the D80 was fitted with a cheaper lens, but judging from nosie levels, I'd say they were similar but the Canon held it together better at higher sensitivities. Have a look at the resolution page though and you'll see the D80 - even with a cheaper lens - can resolve more horizontal detail in a studio test.

So swings and roundabouts. That said, I wouldn't choose one over the other on IQ - in real life, they're very similar. So with IQ essentially out of the picture, you have to weigh up if the 40D's extra features are worth the extra price. (obviously lens selection is also a consideration, but I'm just talking bodies here)

And that's a similar argument for what will happen between the 40D and the D300. Are the extra features worth paying 50% more?

Rune's also made an interesting point aboiut the D200 which costs virtually the same as the 40D now. Which would you buy? I think the 40D is much better-featured and would be my choice between the two.